Instead of going to the hotel, Derek asked his driver to take him home to see his parents and apologize properly. He had wronged them deeply. As he sat in the car, looking out the window, he couldn't shake the hurt and disappointment in his mother's voice.

He had never given his parents reason to be sad or disappointed since joining their family. Yet, here he was, because of his misplaced trust.

He glanced at his phone. It rang, and he sighed when he saw it was Michael. Michael had been calling all morning, and Derek knew it was about the news.

Reluctantly, Derek tapped the receiver but remained silent, waiting for Michael's voice.

"Derek? What's wrong! You haven't been answering all morning. Are you okay? I saw the news," Michael said, his concern evident, as Derek expected.

Derek sighed. "I'm more worried about my parents than myself right now," he said wearily.

"I was with them earlier. They're very upset. Although they've ordered Empowered to take down the news, they're still worried everyone saw it," Michael said. Derek closed his eyes, feeling even angrier at himself.

"Where are you? Are you back already?" Michael asked, hoping Derek could still make the anniversary party.

"I'm in Ludus now. I'm on my way home. I need to see my parents and apologize," Derek said. Michael nodded, relieved.

"Alright, I'll meet you there. Try not to worry too much. Things like this happen. And I'm sure they'll understand and forgive you, seeing as you've always been a good son," Michael said, though inwardly hoping this would cause a major rift between Derek and his parents. He'd grown tired of Derek's perceived perfection and was pleased to have a chance to cause trouble for both Evelyn and Derek. Earlier, he'd told Derek's parents he'd warned Derek not to do the interview with the Empowered reporter, and that Derek had almost fought with him about it. He'd also casually mentioned Derek's business trip with her.

"I hope so. Thanks," Derek said before hanging up.

Looking out the window again, he worried about seeing his parents. He didn't know what to say, how to explain the situation, or comfort them. He'd never faced anything like this before and hoped they would forgive him and not take Empowered's report to heart.

As the driver drove up the long driveway, anxiety knotted Derek's stomach. He took a deep breath after the car parked, but it did nothing to calm him as he got out. Michael was already there, which offered a small comfort.

Inside, he found his parents in the living room. His mother's face was red and swollen, as if she'd been crying; his father's was stern. Michael sat to the side, a smug look barely concealed.

The moment his mother saw him, tears welled in her eyes. "How could you? How could you do this to us?" she asked, her voice trembling. The news had brought back the pain of losing her other son years ago.

"I thought wewe were over this a long time ago. Why? Why would you tell someone about it instead of coming to us if you were still feeling that way?" she asked, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Derek knelt. "I'm so sorry, Mom. I have no excuse. It's all my fault. I'm sorry about what was written. I never meant for this to happen, or for what I said to be taken out of context," he apologized. His father shook his head.

"Have we not shown you enough love? Have I ever made you feel like a replacement? Do you not trust us? Have I not treated you like a son? Have we treated you badly? Is that why you did this?" he asked. Derek shook his head.

"I'm sorry," Derek pleaded, averting his gaze.

Michael watched, pleased, maintaining a straight face.

"Don't just apologize, Derek. Tell us how you're feeling. Are we bad parents? Do you feel we're using you?" his mother asked, kneeling before him.

"No, Mom, it's not that at all," Derek said quickly. "You've shown me more love than I could ever ask for, and I'm so sorry I made you feel otherwise. It's all my fault. I'm sorry," he said, looking at both parents.

"No, it's not your fault. You should blame the person responsible. Why are you covering for her? It's Evelyn, isn't it?" Michael asked. Before Derek could rebuke him, his father spoke.

"Stop crying, darling. You both should sit down. Derek, I want to hear about this Evelyn," his father said. His mother brushed away her tears, helped Derek up, and asked, "Who is Evelyn?"